Know the Importance of Backflow Testing

The Importance of Backflow Testing

The Causes of Backflow

Backflow is when the direction of
water or sewage is reversed in a home or city plumbing system.

As a result, mild to severe contamination can occur through either siphonage
or back-pressure. Siphonage is when the water direction reverses due to
a reduction of water pressure.

The most common cause of this is a water main break. Back-pressure occurs
when the downstream pressure is higher than the supply chain pressure.

One of the most common causes is equipment malfunctions, such as defective
pump systems. Without proper testing or prevention, backflow can cause
serious illness, disease and even death.

The Health Risks

Backflow testing can prevent contamination and protect the health and quality
of life for your family. There are very specific health problems that
can be avoided through backflow testing.

Historically speaking, major outbreaks out typhoid, dysentery and salmonella
have all occurred due to backflow. In modern times, chemicals, such as
sodium hydroxide and insecticides, have entered plumbing systems through
backflow. However, the most common problems associated with backflow are
sewer backups.

When siphonage occurs, sewer backflow causes contaminated water to flow
back into the plumbing system. Sewer water is loaded with a variety of
harmful bacteria that can cause serious health problems. For example,
common bacteria include E. Coli, salmonella and hepatitis.

However, there are less common, yet very harmful bacteria that are found
in sewer water. For example, acanthomoeba (causing eye, nose, throat and
ear infections), heliobacter Pylpri (causing ulcers) and leptospirosis
(causing muscle aches and vomiting). All of these bacterial infections
can be avoided through annual backflow testing.

Backflow Testing

Backflow testing will ensure that backflow preventers, the useful devices
that prevent backflow, are properly working.

These devices are placed in plumbing cross connections, where drinking
water may possibly become contaminated. However, backflow can also occur
outside the home.

That is, irrigation or sprinkler systems must have backflow preventers
in order to stop lawn fertilizer from contaminating drinking water.

Keep in mind that only a plumbing professional, licensed by by the local
govt. or state, is allowed to perform backflow testing.

Regular backflow testing will keep both yourself and your family safe and healthy.